Arsenal 'eye' another Tottenham transfer hijack for exciting star after Eberechi Eze drama

Arsenal could reportedly sting Tottenham for the second time in as many weeks by landing another of their summer transfer targets. It comes just days after they signed Eberechi Eze from under the noses of their north London rivals in an extraordinary hijack. The former Crystal Palace man was destined to join Spurs before his boyhood club Arsenal came calling.

Eze was unveiled as an Arsenal player before their big win over Leeds United and could make his debut against Liverpool this weekend. Now, it has emerged that another Tottenham target could soon be on his way to the Emirates Stadium. The player in question is Piero Hincapie, who has excelled at Bayer Leverkusen over the last few seasons.

He is eager to join Arsenal and the Gunners are preparing to launch a move for his signature, according to The Athletic. It is claimed that the defender has informed Bayer Leverkusen of his desire to leave before the end of the window.

They would prefer to keep him unless Arsenal match the full value of his release clause, which is around £52million. However, the report states that efforts are ongoing to reduce that figure to a more realistic market value.

Arsenal are keen admirers of Hincapie but would reportedly need to move some players on before firming up their interest. Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson are said to be among those who could leave.

Kiwior is thought to be attracting interest from Porto, while West Ham were linked with Vieira earlier in the window. Zinchenko and Nelson have been mentioned in connection with Fulham, who are said to be keen on signing both players.

Earlier on Monday, it was reported that Tottenham had submitted a formal bid for Hincapie. According to Fabrizio Romano, they offered an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for the value of his release clause at the end of the season.

However, it is said that Hincapie would prefer to join Arsenal which suggests Spurs are running the risk of having another target snatched by their greatest rivals.

The defender usually operates at centre-back but is also capable of playing on the left side of a back four. His versatility would make him a solid addition for the Gunners, who have placed an emphasis on improving squad depth this summer.

Mikel Arteta refused to shut down the possibility of more incomings after Eze was unveiled as an Arsenal player before their game against Leeds.

"We are all with big smiles on our faces, understanding that we have done really well, but the market is not closed," said the Spaniard.

"We have to stay very alert because there are a lot of things that can happen. But, so far so good."

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